Boyd Martin and Neville Bardos (Shannon Brinkman) Elkton, MD – Mother Nature wouldn’t quit but smart riding prevailed at the 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International as Boyd Martin flew to the lead in the USEF National CCI*** Championship with Neville Bardos. Newly an American citizen after changing citizenship from Australia earlier in the year, Martin and the nine-year-old Australian Thoroughbred literally skipped over the muddy ground making Derek DiGrazia’s course look easy....

Karen O'Connor and Mandiba Deliver (Shannon Brinkman) Elkton, MD – Karen O’Connor and Mandiba did not take the easy road to the 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International CCI***, but they delivered on the second day of dressage and put in a dynamite test for a score of 39.6, making them the only pair to go under 40 going into Saturday’s cross country. Also serving as the USEF National CCI*** and CCI** Eventing Championships, Fair Hill International showcased some very professional...

John Williams and Sweepea Dean Lead CCI*** (Shannon Brinkman) Elkton, MD – Autumn seemed to bypass the 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International in favor of winter, as cold temperatures and steady rain gripped the USEF National Eventing CCI** and CCI*** Championships for the first day of dressage. John Williams’ faith in Sweepea Dean was finally rewarded with a breakout performance for the Olympic veteran with the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. Their test showcased good lateral work...

Lexington, KY - After a day that tested the will and stamina of some of the world’s best endurance athletes, it proved to be a clean sweep of the medals podium in both the two-star and three-star endurance competitions in the 2009 Kentucky Cup Endurance race. The event, held at the Kentucky Horse Park and neighboring farms, served as the test events for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In the 100-mile ride (that was shortened to 75 miles due to inclement weather and deteriorating...

The 2009 United States Eventing Association (USEA) Annual Meeting and Convention Registration is now open. The meeting will be held in Reston, VA, December 2-6, 2009. Come help celebrate the USEA's 50th Anniversary and honor the inductees into the 2009 Eventing Hall of Fame. To register for the convention, download the Registration Form at www.useventing.com/resources/files/docs/Convention_Reg_Form_09%20(2).pdf and fax or mail it to the USEA office or contact Jennifer at (703) 779-0440, x3003....

At the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America (IDSNA)/United States Eventing Association (USEA) Future Event Horse (FEH) classes in Lexington, VA, held in conjunction with the IDHSNA National Show, it was Diane Halpin's Llangollyn LL who trotted away with the Grand Championship at the end of the day. Shown by Bruce Griffin, the stunning two-year-old Hanoverian filly scored a commendable 81.1% in the Two-Year-Old Fillies class before claiming the Grand Championship in the final class of...

Though the mantra of the day seemed to be "rain, rain, go away," eventers proved once again that they were more than fair-weather fans. The horses were beautifully turned out, rid of the manure stains they incurred overnight, and the crowd was bubbly in spirit. The day started out with the in hand portion for the four- and five-year-olds competing in the United States Eventing Association (USEA)/Spalding Labs Young Event Horse (YEH) Competition. The handlers were told by judge Charles Musco to...

McLain Ward and Miss Liberty 7 Wind Their Way to The Winners Circle McLain Ward showed the crowd that he deserves his many accolades, as he piloted Miss Liberty 7 to a perfectly planned and executed round to win the $10,000 Gem Twist Sprint Gambler's Choice at the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show. The Gambler's Choice competition is very different from the standard style of classes offered at horse shows. In the Gambler's Choice, the course designer places fences around the...

Do you need to register your Morgan foal? Do you have a transfer that needs to be completed? The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Registry Department is offering an "Economic Stimulus Sale" for non-members until October 31. The AMHA Board of Directors at its May Board meeting, recognizing the economic stresses facing many Morgan horse owners, approved this temporary fee reduction. All registry transactions purchased by non-members are now at member rates plus $30. If you have several...

The Morgan breed's largest horse show has begun. The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is held in Oklahoma City, OK, and already some athletes have taken world championships in their respective divisions. If you weren't able to make it to Oklahoma this year, have no fear. You can still see all of the action ringside by going to www.morgangrandnational.com and order your live, streaming video. You can also read all of the results posted on www.gaitkeeper.com at the end of...